Eichenbaum Acorns is an editorially independent series powered by Modern Retina and hosted by David A. Eichenbaum, MD, FASRS, partner and director of research at Retina Vitreous Associates of Florida. This podcast series explores the overlooked corners of the retina profession through candid conversations with thought leaders. Eichenbaum is the Yiddish translation for acorn tree, and the aim of this series is to plant acorns of insight that grow into oaks of understanding.

In this special cross-brand episode with Optometry Times, Eichenbaum speaks with Jeffry D. Gerson, OD, FAAO, about career development, mentorship, and collaboration between optometry and ophthalmology in retinal care. 

Gerson practices in a collaborative OD-MD setting at Grin Eye Care in Olathe and Leawood, Kansas, where his work includes primary care as well as secondary care with an emphasis on retinal disease. 

In this latest episode of the Ophthalmology Times® “Beyond The Walls” podcast, host Deborah Ristvedt, DO, of Vance Thompson Vision, sits down with William B. Trattler, MD, to explore the experiences, influences, and philosophies that have shaped his career in ophthalmology. The discussion covers early inspirations, approaches to teaching, mentorship initiatives, clinical collaboration, and the evolving role of technology in patient care.

Trattler traces his introduction to medicine to his father, an ophthalmologist, whom he describes as “just such an incredible role model.” During medical school, Trattler coauthored Clinical Microbiology Made Ridiculously Simple, motivated by a desire to simplify complex material. “We should just make it ridiculously simple,” he explains, highlighting his use of visual aids and associations to enhance learning. This philosophy carries into his clinical practice, where he emphasizes simplifying the interpretation of diagnostic tools by distinguishing “what’s normal, versus abnormal,” while recognizing the variability in findings and the importance of repetition and experience.

Mentorship is a central theme, reflected in Trattler’s development of the Rising Stars in Ophthalmology program. The conversation also includes reflections on balancing professional and personal life, ongoing practice growth, generational transitions, and the future of ophthalmology. 

IOLs: What Every Surgeon Needs to Know is an editorially independent video and podcast series from Ophthalmology Times, hosted by Douglas D. Koch, MD, Professor and Allen, Mosbacher, and Law Chair in Ophthalmology at the Cullen Eye Institute, Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. 

In each episode, Koch will be joined by different expert guests to discuss cutting-edge advancements in intraocular lens (IOL) technology and cataract surgery. 

In this inaugural episode, Koch is joined by Liliana Werner, MD, PhD, Benning Presidential Endowed Chair and co-director of the Intermountain Ocular Research Center at the Moran A. Eye Center at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, to explore IOL biomaterials.

🎧 Listen as Douglas D. Koch, MD, and Liliana Werner, MD, PhD, discuss IOL biomaterials and emerging lens technologies.

Eichenbaum Acorns is an editorially independent series powered by Modern Retina and hosted by David A. Eichenbaum, MD, FASRS, partner and director of research at Retina Vitreous Associates of Florida. This Q&A-style article and podcast series explores the overlooked corners of the retina specialist profession through candid conversations with thought leaders. Eichenbaum is the German translation for acorn tree, and the aim of this series is to plant acorns of insight that grow into oaks of understanding.

In this installment, Eichenbaum talks with Jayanth Sridhar, MD, who saw an opportunity to bring retina education into the daily commute of ophthalmologists. What started as a simple idea during a long drive grew into Sridhar’s Straight From the Cutter’s Mouth: A Retina Podcast. Sridhar explains how the podcast began, the early challenges he faced, and what he learned along the way.

Sridhar is associate professor of clinical ophthalmology at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, in Miami, Florida, and serves as chief of ophthalmology for the Olive View Medical Center, part of Los Angeles County Department of Health Services, in Los Angeles, California.